For eight days earlier this month, I spent time visiting with family in Rome and L’Aquila, Italy. On the days when my relatives were working, my American family and I enjoyed some typical tourist experiences as well:

Does the name “Cadbury” ring a chocolate bell? Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentine’s Day candy box in the late 1800s.
When it comes to fun food facts, Valentine’s Day is filled with sweet talk of every variety, dating back hundreds of years.

Whether you’re discussing deflated balls or Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch’s taciturn demeanor as he meets the media, there’s more than pigskins on the mind of fans as Super Bowl Sunday approaches.

After a wild week of record-setting weather, this Thanksgiving offers a rare perspective on gratitude and sharing traditions—including platters of food—on this American holiday, first celebrated in the 1600s.

A feast of freebies is on the menu for the men and women who have served our country or who are currently active.
A wide variety of businesses, including many fast-food, fast casual and sit-down eateries, are offering everything from a cup of coffee to full meals as the nation prepares to commemorate Veteran’s Day on the 12th.

Halloween is many things—costumes, parties, candy, truly a big money maker for a variety of enterprises. Halloween is now this county’s second largest commercial holiday next to Christmas.
Thought you might enjoy some tasty tidbits on the origins and traditions of this ancient holiday, many of which will make your dentist happy!

Time to feed your curiosity, map out a plan, and break the chain! Chain restaurants, that is.
Seems like I’m still working off the Spring LRW, but it’s time for the Fall edition of the biannual celebration foodies fantasize about: Local Restaurant Week, running from October 20 – 26, 2014.

Although it feels more like mid-summer, it’s time for Oktoberfest in Williamsville. Running from September 26th through the 28th, the annual event includes a keg-rolling contest, Mercedes Benz exhibit and the Great German Dessert Bake-off at Sweet Jenny’s at the Williamsville Water Mill on Spring Street.

Who doesn’t love an Independence Day that falls on a Friday?
I know I do and a big part of the USA’s birthday celebration this long weekend centers on food for my family, friends and me.
Thought you might enjoy chewing on some food facts as you fire up the grill and proudly fly the red, white and blue: